Saints won’t discuss an extension with Jimmy Graham this offseason

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Rob Gronkowski just got a record extension for a tight end, 54 million over 6 years, but don’t expect the same to happen for Jimmy Graham. Graham essentially matched Gronkowski in production last season and is also heading into his ...

Rob Gronkowski just got a record extension for a tight end, 54 million over 6 years, but don’t expect the same to happen for Jimmy Graham. Graham essentially matched Gronkowski in production last season and is also heading into his 3rd year after being taken in the 3rd round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the same draft where Gronkowski went in the 2nd round.

Like Gronkowski did, Graham still has 2 years left on his current deal, but unlike the Patriots, the Saints are not in a hurry to get him extended. In fact, according to Pro Football Weekly, it is “difficult to envision” the Saints extending Graham this offseason, citing their limited cap space and the fact that they’re still tied up in ongoing and more important negotiations with Drew Brees.

Still, it can be frustrating to watch other teams lock up their playmakers 2 YEARS ahead of time, while we drag forward toward the zero-hour still haggling with our most important player. Hopefully negotiations with Graham will begin whenever this Brees deal happens.

Rob Gronkowski just got a record extension for a tight end, 54 million over 6 years, but don’t expect the same to happen for Jimmy Graham. Graham essentially matched Gronkowski in production last season and is also heading into his 3rd year after being taken in the 3rd round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the same draft where Gronkowski went in the 2nd round.

Like Gronkowski did, Graham still has 2 years left on his current deal, but unlike the Patriots, the Saints are not in a hurry to get him extended. In fact, according to Pro Football Weekly, it is “difficult to envision” the Saints extending Graham this offseason, citing their limited cap space and the fact that they’re still tied up in ongoing and more important negotiations with Drew Brees.

Nor should they be worried about that at this time. Let the guy play out the rest of his contract (or at least get closer to the end) and see where we stand at that point. Also, Jimmy Graham's stock is at an all-time high... if he doesn't have as good of a season in 2012, the Saints have more negotiating leverage (not much, but some).